By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
Eldora Curran Nedeau, 96, of Woodland was presented with the Boston Cane Award, on June 29, by Linda Norsworthy, president of the Woodland Historical Society, witnessed by Norma Akerson and Verna Espling, both members of the historical society, as well as two of her daughters, Shirley and Marilyn.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Eldora Nedeau, 96, was recently awarded the Boston Cane, in recognition of being the town of Woodland’s eldest citizen. Shown with the honoree are, from left, Linda Norsworthy, president of the Woodland Historical Society, who presented the award; Norma Akerson and Verna Espling, both historical society members.
Born in Perham, August 30, 1914, the daughter of J. Peter and Laverna (Conroy) Curran, Mrs. Nedeau attended Perham and Caribou schools.
On June 20, 1936 she was united in marriage to Herman Nedeau and in 1945 the couple became residents of Woodland, where they purchased what would become their family homestead on the Fowler Road, where they raised four children, Stephen, Shirley Shorey, Marilyn Wilcox and Carolyn Holmes. Although she does not currently reside in that home, she decided it was the most appropriate place for her to receive the Boston Cane Award. Mrs. Nedeau has 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Through nearly 65 years of marriage (her husband passed away in 2001) Mrs. Nadeau filled her life with being a farmer’s wife, mother and caring neighbor, working hard providing for her children as well as the farm workers during planting and harvesting seasons. Never idle, her children recall their mother always canning and making homemade butter and doughnuts.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Eldora Curran Nedeau, the town of Woodland’s eldest resident at 96, was presented with the prestigious Boston Cane Award on June 29, by members of the Woodland Historical Society. Sharing in the special presentation were two of her four children, Shirley Shorey, left and Marilyn Wilcox.
In 1954, the Woodland resident began working outside of her home, employed at the Washburn Potato Processing Plant and at the Caribou Birds’ Eye Plant until her retirement in 1978.
Eldora Nedeau, an avid reader, also lists knitting as a hobby and she is well-known for hand-knit mittens, sweaters, socks and especially the afghans, including one for each of her children. Always aware of those less fortunate, the Boston Cane recipient, over the years, has donated her hand-crafted items to numerous projects at her church, the Caribou Assembly of God, including many pairs of mittens.
Following the Boston Cane presentation the small group of friends and family in attendance enjoyed light refreshments, including a cake congratulating Eldora on her award.
